Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)
Today, Representative Sharice Davids (D-KS-03), founder and co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional FIFA World Cup 2026 Caucus, announced that the U.S. House passed $100 million to help transit agencies cover costs associated with hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026. The investment follows a Capitol Hill briefing hosted by Davids, who represents a host city, where transit leaders from across the country made the case for federal support to ensure the tournament’s success.
“With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to be the largest sporting event in history, this $100 million investment ensures fans can get to every match safely and efficiently,” said Davids. “But it’s also about more than just moving people — it’s about supporting local communities, strengthening transit systems for generations to come, and making sure this historic tournament leaves a lasting benefit long after the final whistle. I’m hopeful that all levels of government will continue working together to make this an incredible success for everyone involved.”
“As Georgia prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the more than $9 million in transit funding will help ensure that visitors and fans from around the world experience the warm hospitality the South is known for,” said Representative Buddy Carter (R-GA-01). “Having successfully hosted international events in the past, Georgia is well-prepared to put these transportation dollars to work to deliver a seamless, world-class event that fans will remember for a lifetime.”
The Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) Fiscal Year 2026 spending bill, passed by the U.S. House today, included $100,250,212 for “eligible planning, capital, and operating expenses for equipment and facilities in support of matches or other public events held in domestic host cities for the FIFA World Cup 2026.” Transit agencies in host cities praised the bipartisan funding effort.
Davids’ previous World Cup transit discussion brought together representatives from World Cup host cities to share the planning already underway, the anticipated challenges facing their transit systems, and the resources needed from all levels of government. The event served as a call to action for coordinated, proactive investment in infrastructure and operations, which the U.S. House passed today.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be the largest sporting event in history, with the United States hosting 78 matches over 39 days across 11 cities in nine states. Each host city will not only manage the matches themselves, but also the daily celebrations and movement of tens of thousands of visitors. To meet FIFA’s requirements, each stadium must be supported by a nearby airport capable of handling at least 1,450 passengers per hour. The economic impact is expected to be significant — generating an estimated 185,000 full-time jobs nationwide, $30.5 billion in gross output, and $17.2 billion in GDP.
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“We’re pleased Congress recognizes that world-class events require world-class public transportation,” said Paul P. Skoutelas, President and CEO, American Public Transportation Association (APTA). “The $100.3 million for FIFA World Cup 2026 host cities will help transit agencies plan, operate, and expand service to move millions of fans safely and efficiently. We are especially grateful to Rep. Davis for her leadership in championing this funding. These investments put American public transportation on the global stage while delivering long-term benefits for the communities that host them.”
“KCATA has been proud to support Representative Davids’ efforts to secure transit funding for the FIFA World Cup since she founded the bipartisan Congressional FIFA World Cup 2026 Caucus. Her leadership and persistence will help ensure the Kansas City region can deliver the expanded, reliable transit service needed to safely move residents and visitors during the summer of 2026, while supporting local businesses and maximizing the World Cup’s regional economic impact,” said Reginald Townsend, Board Chairman, Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA). “We are deeply grateful for her commitment to public safety, economic vitality, and the long-term mobility needs of our region.”
“We appreciate the U.S. Congress taking the important step to approve transit-related funding to help Dallas-Fort Worth and other U.S. markets hosting the FIFA World Cup this summer,” said Michael Morris, P.E., Director of Transportation, Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Planning Organization, Volunteer Transportation Chair to the North Texas FIFA World Cup 2026 Host Committee. “Transit will play a crucial role in safely and efficiently delivering fans from across the world to matches and related events. We thank the U.S. Congress for highlighting the importance that transit plays in the delivery of major international special events. This funding will help our region’s transit systems provide our valued national and international visitors with a world-class experience while in Dallas-Fort Worth.”
“Johnson County is proud to pilot two new transit routes that will maximize the community and economic benefits of FIFA World Cup 2026 by connecting residents and visitors to the unique retail, dining, and entertainment destinations in the County,” said Mike Kelly, Chairman, Johnson County Board of County Commissioners. “We’re thrilled to showcase Johnson County on a global stage and are grateful to Rep. Davids for championing federal investment in this innovative infrastructure project.”
“This critical funding will help us to offer a world-class transit experience as the Bay Area prepares to host six matches for the FIFA World Cup,” Robert M. Powers, General Manager, Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART). “Newly installed Next Generation Fare Gates have dramatically reduced fare evasion, our increased safety presence has helped to drive down crime by more than 40 percent, we’re running all Fleet of the Future trains, and we’ve introduced Tap and Ride, which allows visitors to easily enter our system by simply taping their contactless bank card or mobile payment option. We can’t wait to share the New BART with the world.”
“This funding will allow Metro and other transit agencies across the country to safely and reliably move millions of fans while continuing to serve our daily riders during the historic World Cup tournament,” said Stephanie Wiggins, CEO, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. “Investments like this strengthen our ability to help ensure that fans can get to and from these unforgettable matches safely and seamlessly while the world is watching. We appreciate and thank the bipartisan leadership recognizing that transit is essential to the success of a global event of this scale.”
“With seven matches in Massachusetts and many related activities in the Boston area this year, we are ready to showcase the MBTA on a global stage. We continue to collaborate closely with host cities across the country in preparation for delivering the robust levels of service needed to ensure the success of this international event,” said Phillip Eng, General Manager & CEO, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). “The success of our World Cup transit efforts rely on securing federal support for operational expenses. Ensuring we have the drivers, staff, and frequency required to move thousands of fans safely per match day is our top priority, and by working with our transit partners in other cities, we’re striving to make public transportation a consistently reliable and accessible option during the games and beyond.”